HârnMaster campaign

[Ancalagon]

Greetings!

I'm trying my hand for the first time in a HârnMaster campaign via Roll20. I've been interested in the game for over a decade but knew no one who ran it to get my feet wet. Back in 2012-13 I played in a couple of sessions at GenCon. Really enjoyed the 2012 game!

HârnMaster is crunchy but seems like its mostly on the front end with character generation. For those who don't know, HârnMaster doesn't have levels and hit points like (A)D&D and various retro-clones. Its a skill-based system that works more in line with reality simulation. Encumbrance matters. Injuries impede skills as they would in real life. Combat should not the first resort with foes because the HârnMaster combat system is dangerous!

For more info on HârnMaster and HârnWorld, check out this thread I started elsewhere on the 3Ps: http://pipes-pints-and-polyhedrons.com/ ... p?f=7&t=13

[Ancalagon]

In the campaign, I play a character named Lucián DeGarmo who is a member of a mercenary company known as the Band of Bastards. Appropriate birth circumstance is a prerequisite for membership....

I wrote a brief bio for Lucián as follows:

Lucián DeGarmo descends from noble society but under circumstances that make eligible his membership in the Band of Bastards. Of average and unassuming appearance, he is a man of contradictions.

Lucián is quite intelligent, seeking peaceful solutions to problems when possible yet makes his living as a mercenary. Though he prefers peace, only a fool would mistake Lucián for a coward as he has no hesitation resorting to the sword with those who prove themselves unreasonable and belligerent.

In preference to carousing, Lucián prefers to spend his down time reading books, studying lore, enjoying music, and seeking wisdom from signs, portents, and strangers. In all things he desires to understand how they work (or fail to) as he believes knowledge can be as potent a weapon as the sword. When the two are combined effectively, a man (or woman) might accomplish anything, circumstances of birth and societal norms be damned.

Lucián’s strange ways of thinking and ever-restless mind have been known to occasionally pursue him beyond the Wall of Sleep then turn his dreams into nightmares to haunt him until the inevitable escape to wakefulness driven by screams.

[Ancalagon]

Lucián DeGarmo
ENTRY I

Once more the Band of Bastards shall traverse the Stone Way. Commander Placus stated this new job is important and neither man nor mule must be lost and that none are expendable. This new job will require six months but result in a year’s pay which should please everyone. My excitement was short-lived. The cliché of “too good to be true” was justified when we learned that the escort duty the Band is to perform for the caravan will be done so on foot. Making friends with a cobbler in the caravan would seem warranted.

Cloudy skies this evening veiled the stars so I read the cards for a glimpse of what the job holds for the Band. Some adversity awaits us, naturally, but after which a reconciliation of sorts, perhaps a turn of luck, would bring about good fortune as a reward. This is an encouraging reading!

The newest addition to the Band is a younger man named Verus. Since being assigned to us less than two weeks ago he has kept his distance and made no effort to associate with us in any manner save that of surliness. Whether this is his true character or a front is unknown. Since the band departs at dawn, I gave Verus “the speech” and his reaction was as expected. Rumors abound of our new member but I am not overly concerned. If Verus is to be a member of the Band, he will either prove himself with time or hang himself through stupidity when given enough rope. Perhaps a measure of consideration during the forthcoming journey will foster a more amicable attitude.

Other than marching 200 paces ahead of the caravan, this journey along the Stone Way began much like every other until we reached Skull’s Gap. To the right of the entrance of the ravine we noticed weak smoke rising from behind cover of trees upon the plateau. There was no such occurrence on previous trips. Rufina and Porcius volunteered to scout ahead. I bid them only scout, not to engage. Verus volunteered to return to the caravan and have them halt until we determined it safe to proceed.

After a short wait, Rufina and Porcius returned laden with 10 bottles of wine taken from an abandoned Hirossian slaver camp. They found no signs of struggle but there were drag marks on the ground. Nothing at the camp posed a threat to the caravan so we distributed the wine amongst ourselves. I opened a bottle for the Band to share but made sure to save some for Verus. I made certain to thank him for handling the caravan then offered him the wine which he seemed happy to receive.

The caravan made camp in a clearing near a river fed by melting mountainside snow. The Band made its own camp just outside the perimeter of the main camp, away from the aroma of the privy. Verus was summoned away for a meeting. I decided to open a bottle of wine to pass around with dinner. It is not often such a boon is found while travelling. Given the requirement of marching rather than riding, I thought it well-earned. Sharing one bottle between Porcius, Vel, and myself, while again saving some for Verus, would ensure none of us would become impaired. Rufina and Ignatius chose to not partake.

When he returned, Verus inquired of the wine and if there was any more. I was truthful, whereupon Verus asked for a bottle of his own. Without hesitation I gave him one. Several of the Band possessed bottles of wine. By sharing one, I hoped Verus might realize he could have a place as one of us if he wanted it and was wise enough to see it. However, as soon as he received the bottle, he picked up his crossbow, left camp, and disappeared amidst the shadows of the groupings of trees that surrounded the greater campsite. I confess disappointment with his choice.

Within a moment of Verus’ departure I began to feel sluggish and very heavy. This was unlike the effects of wine to which I am accustomed. Something was very wrong with the wine we drank! I tried to warn the others but do not recall if I was able to speak before I succumbed.

The sensation of a mule stepping on my head greeted me upon waking. Then another step. And then another. And another. It was as if the entire caravan walked along my head in a single column so as to wear a valley through my skull and into my brain.

The wine from the slaver camp was obviously drugged. Is this a Hirossian trick to enslave those who are offered the drink? Why would they not have taken it with them when abandoning the campsite?

I desperately needed to get some clean water to drink. When I emerged from my tent, I saw Porcius in a condition similar to my own. Rufina and Ignatius, who had chosen to not partake, were fine.

Rufina conveyed that during the night, while Porcius and I were unconscious, Verus shot a mule jack with his crossbow, having claimed the mule jack surprised him in the night. If that is true, then Verus would have been walking about with his crossbow loaded and at the ready. Why? As point guards, the Band is not expected to also perform night watch. Was he out of his mind from the drugged wine or was something else afoot?

Fortunately, the mule jack survived. The last thing the Band needs is a charge or murder against one of its members. Rufina made sure the mule jack was taken to a healer then briefed Placus who thought it best to not spread word of the incident. He also ordered the remaining wine discarded after determining via tasting that it was a concoction of the Sa-Ta-Fey who do not take kindly to Hirossian slavers. I can surmise what happened at the abandoned camp.

Verus had consumed well over half of the tainted bottle of wine in his possession and had yet to awaken. Multiple attempts were made to revive him to help with breaking camp and other duties but he was unresponsive. We sat him upon a spare mule as baggage. I need more water. Today is going to be a long day.

[Ancalagon]

Lucián DeGarmo
ENTRY II

Before the band resumed its march, an announcement was made that brigands ambushed and shot a mule jack during the night. He was found by Rufina and taken to a healer but died of his injuries during the night. Though still foggy from the drugged wine, this was not my understanding from conversation with Rufina.

Once we were out of earshot of the caravan, I brought up the point that for Verus to have shot the mule jack as a result of being surprised, his crossbow would need to have been cocked, loaded, and at the ready. I then asked why would he have been walking around so armed. The others made brief comments reflecting surprise at my lucidity then immediately disregarded my observation and question. They are still valid points that I will keep in mind.

Late morning, we encountered a few scurgah lurking in the forest canopy that now covered the road. I threw a few stones to frighten them away. Some of the others mimicked my action and the way was soon cleared. Not long thereafter, we heard a signal whistle from the caravan. We walked back to the caravan to see if help was needed and found it halted with a company of the Order of the Bannered Crown present and in discussion with Commander Martius and Tranquillo.

Further down the caravan, we heard Placus dispensing a tongue lashing about being drunk and skipping out on duty. All of us knew without doubt who was on the receiving end of the castigation. I walked close enough to the scene so that when Verus was dismissed I could retrieve him. He seemed in better spirits than I anticipated after the dressing down on top of what should have been an astounding hangover. Verus stated he would never again drink wine with me. I understood the sentiment and assured him the normal experience is never like this. When we rejoined the Band, Verus thanked all of us for having his back and sought orders from me. I had him take point some fifty feet ahead of us to have him feel as though he is actively contributing and to get some experience. Hilarious joined him. Rufina also scouted ahead, off the road, using the foliage as cover.

As Rufina and Verus moved ahead, one of the Bannered Crown members was left behind with the caravan for added “protection” as made possible by the Stone Way Pact between Hiros and Trant. Ottovio is a large man wearing a metal helm and breastplate, carrying a notched shield, and wearing a broadsword with little else. He was attached to the Band to aid in scouting ahead. Some of the others were interested in speaking with Ottovio so I observed to try and gauge him. Though the Order of the Bannered Crown is known less for their bravery and more for gathering information for the church of Tastus and the Trantoran nobility, I prefer to make my own judgements regarding individuals.

A few hours later, Hilarious and Verus encountered 6 Hirossian Legionnaires in the road ahead. I moved up to join them and saw the Hirossians were somewhat worse for wear as though they had recently seen battle. I offered to let Hilarious speak for the band since he is Hirossian but he declined. I stepped forth and greeted the Legionnaires. Marsicus spoke for the Hirossians but soon tired of me and demanded to speak with a fellow Hirossian. Whether he wanted to or not, Hilarious conversed with Marsicus who warned of significant foulspawn activity behind them. What remained of his unit managed to escape by hamstringing the slave they had and leaving them behind to be taken. Hilarious lead the Hirossians to the caravan so the leaders could speak. As the Hirossians passed, one of them cocked his head then spat at Ottovio’s feet. Clearly there is no love lost between the Hirossian company and the Trantoran Order of the Bannered Crown. Ottovio did not provoke them. None of the Legionnaires looked kindly at Verus and his crossbow. Now that I write this, I’ve not seen him with any other weapon. If foulspawn are ahead, he should have a melee weapon.

I took Verus and double timed to reestablish the 200-pace gap before the caravan which had closed during the encounter with the Hirossians. As the afternoon passed, I had a brief exchange with Hilarious during which I stated I cared neither for the Hirossians we encountered or their slave trade. As Hilarious is Hirossian, this apparently motivated him to explain, yet again, how great the Hirossian military experience was for him and how it enabled him to rise above the slave status he once held. And, once again, as we’ve had this same conversation numerous times over the last 3 years, I closed it by reminding him that as wonderful as all things Hirossian must be to his eyes, he still ended up here… with a bunch of bastards.

For this evening I decided we should make our camp inside the perimeter of the greater encampment. Before we finished setting up the camp, I was summoned to a meeting with Commander Martius. The meeting was insightful and surprising. Martius promoted me to First Sword then placed me in official command of the Band. This was neither asked for nor anticipated. As the First Sword, I am responsible for the Band. Their successes will reflect upon me and their “fuck ups”, as Martius phrased it, will be my “fuck ups.”

I couldn’t help but recall the recent conversation that none are expendable. While we have duties, I will do my utmost to see to the safety of those under my command. We’ve always looked after each other but now it is my responsibility. One of my other responsibilities will be my second in command. For unexplained reasons, Martius appointed Verus to that position. I very much disagree with this decision as Verus is in no way ready for this duty, lacking the experience as well as the trust and respect of the rest of the Band. As First Sword it is my responsibility to do what is best for the Band. Verus will not be told of his status as second in command until he is ready to assume that station. I will provide opportunities for him to work with other members of the Band to gain experience as one of us. It will be up to him as to whether or not he conducts himself in such a manner as to earn respect.

When I returned to camp, I found a pavilion style tent granted to First Swords had already been set up. I shared the news of my promotion with the Band, that it had not been requested, that I did not suspect it was contemplated, and that I will not become a tyrant. In return, I asked for none of them to go off and get themselves killed!

Ottovio quickly got up and went to speak with Commander Martius. While he was gone, I inspected the tent and allowed the Band inside to view it as well. A short while later, Ottovio returned and announced he will be working with the Band but is not part of the Band. He then goes to find two sticks, returns, and tosses a stick at my feet. He said he wants to test my skill since I am now in charge, to see if the sword I wear is for decoration, and if I am worthy of leading or some such buffoonery. Ottovio’s armor and broadsword mark him as a knight or at least from the ranks of the nobility. It is quite possible his societal sensitivities were upset or his ego was bruised at the prospect of working with a First Sword who is both bastard and possessed of no titles. I would not be so easily baited. I told Ottovio to save it for the foulspawn which may lie ahead. He again challenged me under the pretense of testing my skill. Engaging in fights without need is foolish so I invited him to take his problem to Martius. Hilarious was the first of the Band to speak against Ottovio and the challenge was soon dropped.

As the Band made ready to settle down for the evening, it became apparent that Ottovio had no gear beyond weapons and armor, no bedroll, not even a blanket. Some in the band commented that his poor manners probably contributed to his company sending him off so ill-prepared. Though his earlier behavior marked him as a boorish oaf, I decided to extend a courtesy and used my newfound authority as a First Sword to secure a bedroll. If foulspawn are to be encountered, I want everyone rested, not fatigued from trying to sleep on the cold ground from a lack of forethought. Ottovio asked why I did not give the bedroll to one of the Band as it was of better quality. In addition to showing himself as a boorish oaf, he also seems prone to looking gifted horses in the mouth. “The Band all have tents in which they may sleep,” I told him. I made certain to emphasize, “You do not.” Ottovio thanked me for the bedroll.

The morning arrived quickly. Verus still suffered some of the after effects of the drugged wine (a two-day hangover) no doubt due to the quantity consumed, but he did his duty. The day’s travel was free from incident. By late afternoon, we reached the Bridgeway campsite where the caravan stopped for the night. Present when we arrived was a single Leealowan barbarian with a horse and a small group of Sa-Ta-Fey with slaves to sell. The Sa-ta-Fey were scantily clad as is their custom and one of the slaves, a woman, was naked. None of this escaped Verus’ keen eye as he gawked like an inexperienced young man is prone to do. I advised the Band that the Sa-Ta-Fey are most likely responsible for the drugged wine we found as it is a common tactic they use. None seemed interested. I also told the Band to not bother the Sa-Ta-Fey. Hilarious immediately missed the point and walked over to engage the Sa-Ta-Fey in conversation. At this point, I sent Verus back to the caravan to inform them of what to expect. Hilarious fostered no ill-will nor roused the anger of the Sa-Ta-Fey so technically he did not bother them though I would have preferred them to be left alone. I will choose my words more carefully in the future.

Ottovio spent time at a river drinking deeply. His lack of planning included no waterskin which he failed to mention to any of us during the day. My extension of courtesy to Ottovio last night, which was questioned, exhausted the last of the goodwill I am willing to extend tonight.

That evening I saw Tranquillo buy a slave from the Sa-Ta-Fey. Ottovio, also a Trantoran, appeared surprised and displeased at the occurrence. He was unaware that Tranquillo already owned six others. Shortly after the transaction, Tranquillo entered his tent followed by the Leealowan barbarian. What are they discussing? Perhaps the opportunity will present it self to ask the Leealowan of any nearby foulspawn activity.

[Deil the Yin]

It does seem really crunch, just from a campaign background point-of-view, not to mention character creation. Great journal entries, whatever! Cheers for that!

[Ancalagon]

Glad you're enjoying the journals. I'm starting another entry tonight.

[Ancalagon]

Lucián DeGarmo
ENTRY III

Late in the evening, a rumor began to circulate through the camp that the caravan will change course to travel west to the long abandoned Dwergez site of Ther Darihm (pr. There Dooreem) which is supposedly haunted and protected by a supernatural guardian.

Later in the evening, after the band had retired, we were awakened by cries of “foulspawn!” travelling through the camp. I thought it unlikely the creatures would be attacking the caravan but made ready with armor and shield nonetheless. The Band gathered to see what would happen as the scouts were dispatched to investigate. Each of us watched the camp’s perimeter and beyond for signs of foes. Hilarious pointed to an area some distance into a group of trees and said he saw “something monstrous.” We all looked in the direction indicated but I was certain nothing more than a trick of the shadows and perhaps an animal moving about therein. To relieve the tension in the Band, I suggested it could have been an opossum. The attempt worked as good-natured laughter resulted.

I noticed Manius Sepunius Concessus, the Second Sword of Placus’ company, intercepted the Leealowan barbarian and the two engaged in an animated discussion, the nature of which could not be discerned. The discussion soon ended. Concessus made his way to every unit in the camp with two orders. First – two men are to take four-hour watches for the remainder of the night and watch the outer perimeter of the camp. Second – the men on watch must be paired based upon their nationality, Trantorans on watch together, likewise for Hirossians. This was a strange order but if there was a threat to the camp, now was not the time to question it.

As First Sword, I took the first watch and asked for a Trantoran volunteer from the Band. Ottovio was the first to step up. He donned his armor then joined me for the watch which was uneventful. Hilarious and Vel, Hirossians, took the next watch. The night passed without incident. I wonder from where the cries of “foulspawn” originated and why. Did someone panic at a noise in the shadows or was something mischievous or malevolent at play?

As we broke camp the following morning, the Leealowan barbarian approached me and introduced himself as Kachada, an ambassador of his people who will travel with the Band as a guide and representative but not travel with us. I interpreted this to mean he will journey but not fight or side with us is confrontations.

By late afternoon we arrived at Ther Darihm which consisted of a barbican, some ruined towers, the remnants of a demolished bridge which, long ago, spanned a gorge the depth of which looks to be no less than one hundred feet. To the east side of the barbican, towers, and path to the gorge is a large stone mound which somewhat resembles an elliptical tower more than an ordinary mound. Other units scouted and cleared the towers which were then declared off-limits. Hilarious tried to lure people into his gambling games but there were none willing or with the means to participate. I admit to being tempted but this was not the time for such distraction.

Word went out through the caravan that the bridge spanning the gorge is to be rebuilt! Ther Darihm, though abandoned, is technically under the Dwergaz dominion. Since none are present, I can’t help but wonder how they might feel about Traquillo’s plan. His motivation is clear. The reconstruction of the bridge and reestablishment of the long-defunct route will benefit commerce and trade. Again, the legend of a supernatural guardian came to mind. The scope of the project to be undertaken will keep us at Ther Darihm for some time which should provide ample opportunity for any guardian to make itself known.

[Ancalagon]

Lucián DeGarmo
ENTRY IV

The last two months at Ther Darihm have been fairly uneventful for the Band. We helped stand guard and patrol as land around the settlement was cleared and a palisade constructed around the camp, under the directions of Opiter Novius Scapula, as it made ready to begin the task of rebuilding the bridge.

One of the events I anticipated came to pass with the arrival of a host of Dwergaz. Long ago a not small measure of ill will arose between the Dwergaz and Men which contributed to the withdrawal of the Dwergaz from the area of Ther Darihm. As the lifespans of Dwergaz are considerably longer than those of men, I have wondered if their collective memories possess similar endurance. The memories of men tend to be short and fickle as men are often occupied with earning a living to keep their families clothed and fed or distracted by vice to not cope with their troubles.

The Dwergaz conversed with Tranquillo and Martius then passed through the camp to the western face of the elliptical stone tower-like structure. They casually opened a secret door in the face of the stone that the entire host of men passed daily without notice! The door lead to the inside of a place called “the Kyg” (pr. Kig) where the band is to perform its guard duties as we, Martius, and Tranquillo moved into the Kyg for our new quarters. We explored the ground level of the Kyg, which is said to be 1,000 years old, and found rooms that served as stables, a forge, a dining area, barracks, and wells. We were advised to not explore beyond the ground floor so, naturally, this stirred my curiosity.

I noticed some oddities within the Kyg. First - There are some areas where the stonework does not match the rest of the structure as it looks more recently completed. I wonder what lies beyond the newer stonework and why were those areas sealed off? Second - One room contained the several long dead foulspawn. Such was the age of the bodies that bone with bits of leathery flesh and hair were all that remained. I suspected the Dwergaz would not willingly invite foulspawn into one of their settlements. The monsters are known to live underground. Perhaps an incursion occurred long ago which necessitated the more recent construction. Whether or not this occurred, why were the foulspawn remains left in the Kyg to rot and not disposed of outside? Third – Are there more secret doors or passages exist within the Kyg since we so easily missed the secret door outside?

On the 5th day of Highsun, the first rope crossing of the gorge was completed. It is said the Dwergaz required twelve years to complete the original bridge. Tranquillo intends to complete the rebuild in less than one; a remarkable feat if successful.

Later that same day a brief skirmish broke out between Martius and Ottovio! Allegedly, Ottovio renounced his allegiance to the Order of the Bannered Crown. I presume the skirmish was a “test of skill” or a demonstration of such. Ottovio suffered a minor would and more than one blow to his helmeted head. The consensus of witnesses was that Martius gave better than he received. Martius informed me later that Ottovio is now attached to the Band as a probationary member and as such is now under my command. Does this mean that Ottovio is also a bastard? Martius was clear that he still does not trust Ottovio. I will observe and provide ample opportunities for Ottovio to confirm our suspicions or prove himself a better man than he is believed to be.

During the evening, one of the Dwergaz opened some previously unknown shutters. This was sufficient to confirm my suspicion of more secret doors. Once opened, the shutters allowed air to flow through the Kyg which produced a mournful wail. Many of the men were frightened and could not be reassured until the shutters were closed. I expect that soon there will be new stories of the overdue emergence of Ther Darihm’s supernatural guardian circulating through the camp.

[Deil the Yin]

Enjoying the Harn reports, Lord Gill! Although, from a gaming standpoint, it seems to be moving along pretty slowly? How many sessions do these journal entries cover, out of curiosity?

[Ancalagon]

Enjoying the Harn reports, Lord Gill! Although, from a gaming standpoint, it seems to be moving along pretty slowly? How many sessions do these journal entries cover, out of curiosity?

Thank you kindly, Lord Walker!

We've had 3 sessions thus far with a lot of ground work laid out to this point. Definitely RP heavy when compared to (A)D&D, C&C, etc. and I'm glad for it. HM combat is not to be trifled with as it is brutal and healing is slow. The extra RP and learning about the setting helps for a more immersive experience. I'm really enjoying playing Lucián and seeing how the character progresses. Journal entry I corresponds to session 1. Entry II corresponds to session 2. Entries III, IV, and the soon-to-be posted V correspond to session 3. There was A LOT of info and things happening in session 3.